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Jacksonville's best

Desserts and Calamari

A meal that balances crispy calamari with a proper dessert finish instead of forcing you to choose between a savory start and a sweet end.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant blends rustic charm and modern elegance with beautiful decoration and a stylish vibe. Atmosphere stays relaxed and inviting, avoiding hectic crowds. Bartender crafts expert cocktails that complement a menu featuring standout seafood and pasta dishes.

Desserts include a lemon cake that works well for takeout and a lava cake that stands out as a recommended choice. The quality stays consistent from appetizers through to dessert.

Crispy calamari comes out light, tender, and perfectly seasoned. It stands out as some of the best around.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is amazing."

"The calamari here is light, tender, and perfectly seasoned."

"The service here is so warm and knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Valet parking is available on weekends for convenience.

3

Sofi's offers gluten-free pasta options for dietary needs.

02
Ciao Trattoria Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

Bright, cozy Italian restaurant with live music and authentic old world Sicilian food creates a welcoming, homey atmosphere. Well-set tables and a private dining room with mood lighting add to the inviting experience. Full bar offers classic Italian drinks alongside quality meals.

Desserts feature pistachio cake with strong nut flavor and light cream, topped with a cherry. Cannoli uses real sheep cheese, and almond tiramisu is scratch-made and rich. Espresso pairs well with several dessert options.

Fresh, crispy calamari comes with a thick, flavorful Marinara sauce. The combination of special sauce and quality makes it stand out.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the eggplant parmesan."

"The calamari here is some of the best I ever had."

"The pistachio cake dessert was great, with plenty of pistachio flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant has a special Romantic Dinner Sunday with a set menu.

3

The menu is limited after 9:00 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

03
Dolce Vita Modern Italian image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with intimate seating and carefully curated decor creates a cozy, upscale vibe. Live performances by saxophone and violin players add phenomenal music that lifts the atmosphere. Guests enjoy balanced cocktails and authentic Italian dishes in a setting that feels like a refined home.

Desserts arrive on a cart with sparklers and fireworks, creating a memorable celebration moment. Every dessert is delicious, matching the quality of the other dishes.

Fried calamari comes out crispy and not greasy with a subtle flavor. It ranks as one of the best calamari appetizers in the area.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

"I loved the desserts here; they were simply amazing."

"The calamari here is great and very pleasing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm, Monday to Friday.

2

Karaoke night occurs weekly; check the schedule for specific dates.

3

Entertainment events are scheduled on select dates; visit the website for details.

04
YH Dim Sum image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Large, bright space with natural light and spacious seating creates an inviting yet elegant atmosphere. Clean, updated interior features ply board walls and a bar serving strong cocktails. Dim sum and authentic Cantonese dishes complement the relaxed, comfortable vibe.

Complimentary desserts stand out with unique flavors and a delicious taste. They arrive unexpectedly and add a sweet finish to the meal.

Salt and pepper calamari stands out with its light, flaky batter and optimal cooking that keeps it flavorful and tender. This dish consistently delivers a delicious, well-seasoned bite.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is delicious and authentic."

"The dinner spots here have huge portions; I took food home for lunch."

"I got a delicious complimentary dessert, it was one of the best."

Good to know

1

Dim sum is only served during lunch hours from 11 am to 2 pm.

2

Happy hour on drinks runs Monday to Saturday, 5-7 PM.

3

Starting July 15th, all-day dim sum is available.

05
Enza's Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Dark ambiance with live piano music sets a relaxing, elegant mood. Tables feature white tablecloths and tight seating in a surprisingly spacious interior. The atmosphere feels old school and intimate, distinct from chain restaurants.

Desserts include a little cannoli served after meals. All dishes, including desserts, come out perfect and well-prepared.

Lightly breaded calamari arrives crispy and tender, cooked perfectly and served hot. It stands out as a tasty appetizer and a highlight alongside other dishes like meatballs and pasta.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and the service is so pleasant."

"The calamari here is lightly breaded and crispy."

"Their cannoli desserts are crispy, fresh, and delightful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are strongly advised due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Happy hour offers great specials after work.

3

Expect a $7.50 charge for soft drinks not listed on the menu.

06
Sr. Ceviche Jacksonville image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Bright, clean, and contemporary space offers a family-friendly vibe with digital menus and a large selfie sign on the wall. Music plays a fantastic role in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Known for authentic Peruvian ceviche, it stands out for thoughtful design and a recent renovation.

Desserts feature a passion fruit mousse, chocolate cake with dulce de leche, and a lucuma dessert. The menu is minimal but satisfies sweet cravings effectively.

Calamari comes out perfectly cooked and flavorful. It appears in dishes like the fried seafood mixto with crispy yuca sticks and the creamy seafood chowder with mussels and shrimp.

People are saying

"The ceviche here is amazing, bright, and full of seafood."

"You have to try the passion fruit mousse for dessert."

"The fried calamari here is perfectly cooked and crispy."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs until 7pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect dishes to cost around $22 each, including an $8 charge per dish.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long waits.

07
Primi Piatti image 1
Italian restaurant

Classic Italian interior creates a quaint, intimate atmosphere with beautiful lighting and a homey style. The space feels romantic and nostalgic, offering a mellow and pleasant vibe. Guests enjoy a small, clean setting that emphasizes authentic Italian charm.

Complimentary desserts include a superb Tiramisu and a hazelnut chocolate pastry with tiny smidges of flavorful sauces. A shot of lemonchello often follows, enhancing the dessert experience.

Calamari comes perfectly breaded with a tasty dipping sauce. It is sometimes frozen but still stands out as a delicious appetizer.

People are saying

"The angel hair pasta here is freshly made and cooked just right."

"George gave us a free cheesecake after dessert."

"The calamari appetizer was perfectly breaded and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends due to limited seating.

2

Expect a warm, family-like atmosphere during dining.

3

The restaurant is known for its authentic Italian cuisine.

08
Brick Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Exposed brick walls and dimmed lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere with an earthy look inside. Spacious seating includes family-friendly booths and a dog-friendly outdoor patio offering shaded views of the neighborhood. The vibe stays upbeat and welcoming, suitable for casual dinners and social gatherings.

Bread pudding offers a perfect balance of sweetness. The pineapple upside down cake stands out among the decadent desserts available.

Calamari comes out cooked just right, tender and flavorful. It pairs well with the spinach dip served as an appetizer.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is thoughtfully prepared and delicious."

"You have to try the bread pudding for dessert; it's awesome."

"I enjoyed their calamari; it was perfection."

Good to know

1

Expect no wait time on Thursdays around 8 pm for a party of four.

2

Happy hour prices may not apply to all drinks; check before ordering.

3

Parking can be tricky; expect to park a couple of blocks away.

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